The federal government has decided to introduce a single curriculum for technical and vocational education across all federal institutions. The move aims to improve the quality of education and ensure that students receive the same standard of training nationwide.
Under the new policy, all federal technical and vocational institutes will use curricula approved by the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC). This step is expected to bring consistency to technical education and better prepare students for the job market.
The Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) has instructed all of its affiliated organizations and educational institutions to follow the prime minister’s directions regarding registration, affiliation, and the adoption of NAVTTC-approved curricula.
The instructions have been sent to several major institutions, including the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR), the National Institute of Electronics (NIE), COMSATS University Islamabad, the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), and the National University of Technology (NUTECH).
A Curriculum Experts Committee formed under the prime minister’s directives reviewed the technical and vocational courses currently offered by federal institutions. The committee recommended replacing the existing trade and technology curricula with NAVTTC-approved National Standards Curricula to create a uniform education system with better quality and stronger standards.
The committee also ensured that the updated curricula match the National Occupational Skills Standards developed under the NAVTTC Act, 2011. The law gives NAVTTC the authority to develop national skill standards, design curricula, conduct trade testing, and manage certification for technical and vocational education.
All federal TVET institutions have been directed to start using the approved curricula and submit proof of compliance within the given deadline. Courses that do not fall under NAVTTC’s authority will be forwarded to the relevant regulatory bodies, such as the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), for further review and standardization according to existing laws.
